Howard criticised over line-up changes

Michael Howard came under fire from his shadow cabinet today for keeping colleagues in the dark about his surprise reshuffle which saw John Redwood return to the front line.

Several senior frontbenchers complained to the Tory leader's office that they only learned of the changes after they were publicly announced.

Mr Howard's new line-up saw a distinct shift to the Right, with Mr Redwood heading a list of Thatcherites promoted to powerful positions in policy and campaigning. Two leading modernisers, transport spokesman Damian Green and overseas aid spokesman John Bercow, walked out after being offered alternative jobs.

The changes dismayed the party's centre, which accused the Tory leader of a "lurch to the Right" in response to the rise of UKIP. One senior figure claimed: "About half the shadow cabinet were protesting that they had no idea what was going on. It has caused bad feeling."

Mr Howard contrasted his crisp reshuffle with the in-fighting and confusion surrounding Tony Blair's appointments. "A united Conservative party is continuing to get on with the job," he said.